Orem, Utah (US), Sep 12 (AP): The alleged suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk has been apprehended, announced former President Donald Trump on Friday, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the politically charged assassination that sent shockwaves across the United States.
In a live interview with Fox News Channel, Trump declared, "With a high degree of certainty, we have him." He added that a minister, working closely with law enforcement, had turned the suspect over to authorities. "Someone close to him said, 'Hmm, that's him,'" Trump explained.
The suspect, a 22-year-old from Utah, has been identified as Tyler Robinson, according to a law enforcement source speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly. The FBI and the Justice Department have not yet issued comments, but a press conference is scheduled in Utah, where the killing occurred on a college campus earlier this week.
Reports of the arrest emerged just hours after the FBI and state officials released more photos of the suspect, urging the public for assistance, suggesting initial uncertainty over the suspect's location.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the Arizona-based nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at an event hosted by the organization at Utah Valley University. Kirk succumbed to his injuries several hours later at a local hospital. The single bullet that killed him is said to have been a targeted attack, a sentiment echoed by Utah's governor.
A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered near the scene. Authorities reported that the assailant leaped off a roof and vanished into wooded areas nearby.
"He wanted to help young people, and he didn't deserve this," Trump remarked, praising Kirk as a "really good person."
Federal and state officials had distributed photos and video clips of the suspected assailant on Thursday. Kirk was struck by a bullet during his address to a crowd in a university courtyard.
Despite receiving over 7,000 leads, investigators have yet to publicly disclose the suspect’s name or motive, marking another distressing episode of political violence within the U.S.
The attack, performed in daylight, was captured in disturbing footage that rapidly spread across social media. The clips show Kirk, who played a crucial role in galvanizing young Republican voters, speaking when gunfire abruptly interrupted the scene. Kirk's hand instinctively reached toward his neck, now profusely bleeding, as horrified onlookers gasped and screamed in terror.
Law enforcement officials noted that the shooter, who appeared college-aged, likely blended into the audience. After firing from the rooftop, the individual was seen crossing a street and disappearing from view, as shown in a video released on Thursday.
Robert Bohls, the leading FBI agent in Salt Lake City, confirmed, "I can tell you this was a targeted event."
Trump and other influential political figures, including Democrats, have denounced the violence. Trump announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, visited Kirk's family in Salt Lake City. Vance shared heartfelt memories on the social media platform X, chronicling their longstanding friendship and Kirk's significant contributions to their administration's success during the 2024 election.
"So much of the success we've had in this administration traces directly to Charlie's ability to organize and convene," Vance wrote, emphasizing Kirk's impact on their triumph in 2024 and his efforts in staffing the government.
Kirk's casket was transported via Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, where Turning Point USA is headquartered. Trump confirmed that he intends to attend Kirk's funeral, although details have not been released.
Kirk, known for his conservative viewpoints, was deeply influential on college campuses, often engaging youth in lively debates on various social issues.
He faced challenges regarding gun violence in audience questions at his final event, part of a series entitled "American Comeback Tour." His appearance generated significant controversy, prompting an online petition with nearly 1,000 signatures urging the university to cancel his visit in the name of free speech.
Following the gunshot, panicked attendees sought refuge in classrooms, using tables to barricade doors and protect themselves. Creative measures included tying an electric pencil sharpener cord to secure door handles.
Kathleen Murphy, a nearby resident, described feeling unsafe with the shooter initially at large, choosing to lock herself indoors.
The shooting has provoked bipartisan condemnation, with Democrats and Republicans alike condemning the incident amidst an ongoing increase in politically motivated violence nationwide. (AP) RD RD
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